What is porcine respiratory reproductive syndrome virus?

1. What causes porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome?
2. How does porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome spread?
3. How do you treat PRRS in swine?
4. What are the symptoms of PRRS?
5. How can you prevent porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome?
6. Can humans get PRRS from pigs?
7. How can pseudorabies be prevented?
8. How do you test for PRRS in pigs?
9. What causes respiratory disease in pigs?
10. What is blue ear in pigs?
11. What causes purple ears in pigs?
12. Is PRRS treatable?
13. Is PRRS airborne?
14. When do you vaccinate for PRRS?

What causes porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome?

The syndrome is caused by an RNA virus referred to as PRRS virus (PRRSV), which is classified in the family Arteriviridae. Swine macrophages are the only indigenous cell type known to support PRRSV replication. Direct contact between infected and naive pigs is the predominant route of PRRSV transmission.

How does porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome spread?

The primary vector for transmission of the virus is the infected pig and contaminated semen. Controlled studies have indicated that infected swine may be longterm carriers, with adults able to shed PRRS virus for up to 86 days after infection, and weaned pigs able to harbor virus for 157 days.

How do you treat PRRS in swine?

There is no specific treatment for PRRS. Broad-spectrum antibiotics may be useful in controlling secondary infections. Anti-inflammatory products (e.g. aspirin) are commonly administered during acute disease.

What are the symptoms of PRRS?

Symptoms of acute PRRS virus infection in pigs infected in utero or shortly after birth include severe dyspnea (labored breathing or thumping), lethargy, inappetence, fever, edema or swelling of the eyelids, and a blue or red discoloration of the ears or hindquarters. Pre-weaning mortality may approach 100%.

How can you prevent porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome?

Prevention and control

This requires knowing the health status of replacement gilts and boars, as well as proper isolation and acclimatization of incoming stock. Pigs should be retested on arrival at the isolation facility and 45-60 days later, before entry to the herd.

Can humans get PRRS from pigs?

With the exception of mallard ducks, PRRS virus only infects swine. It poses no threat to humans or other animals and in no way makes eating pork a threat to human health. What can I do to protect my herd from becoming infected with PRRS virus?

How can pseudorabies be prevented?

Pseudorabies can be prevented primarily through biosecurity, and sound management practices that include disease control and prevention.

How do you test for PRRS in pigs?

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

The primary diagnostic application of PCR has been detecting PRRS vi- ral RNA in semen of boars. In most cases, a positive PCR on semen also results in a positive swine bioassay, indicating that the RNA detected in semen represents infec- tious virus.

What causes respiratory disease in pigs?

Polymicrobial Disease Involving Viruses and Bacteria

PRV, PRCV, SIV, and PRRSV are all common viral respiratory pathogens of pigs, and all have been variously implicated in increasing the incidence of bacterial respiratory disease in herds which circulate the viruses.

What is blue ear in pigs?

PRRS (porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome) is a viral disease caused by the PRRS virus (PRRSV).

What causes purple ears in pigs?

Infected pigs may have a high fever (105-107oF), huddle and stop eating. Intermittent constipation followed by diarrhea and conjunctivitis (reddened eyes) can also occur. Hemorrhages of the skin may be seen as raised, reddened spots on the skin or purple discoloration of the ears, abdomen or inner thighs.

Is PRRS treatable?

Since PRRS is a virus, antibiotics are generally considered unsuccessful in treating the primary infection. However, using antibiotics correctly can reduce the presence of other pathogens in the herd.

Is PRRS airborne?

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSv) is one of the most significant airborne viruses impacting the pork industry in the US.

When do you vaccinate for PRRS?

Breeding pigs

Pregnant sows should only be vaccinated after previous exposure to European PRRSV. Newly introduced PRRSV-nave animals (e.g. replacement gilts from PRRSv-negative herds) should be vaccinated prior to pregnancy.